UK Skilled Worker Visa: Application Process in Brief
Hey, do you want to live and work in Manchester, the UK? If yes, the first thing you need is to apply for a Skilled Worker visa, a work permit for long-term in the UK for up to 5 years, for the duration mentioned in your Certificate of Sponsorship.
So, when thinking of working and settling down in Manchester, you need to have a clear idea of a UK Skilled Worker Visa before you apply. Read on to learn more about the application process.
Everything About Skilled Worker Visa Application Process to Know :
The United Kingdom is one of the largest economies worldwide, with unlimited career opportunities and no language barriers. No wonder more and more people migrate to the UK every year. And one of the common pathways to settle in Manchester is applying for a Skilled Worker visa.
The UK Skilled Worker visa is a long-term work permit introduced by replacing the Tier 2 (General) visa from December 1st, 2020. It has brought a few key changes to the immigration system of the UK, including a new point-based system and the Skilled Worker visa route. This Skilled Worker visa allows foreign workers to enter the UK, work and live here (with a salary of a minimum of £30,000) for up to 5 years, which can be extended, and after that, the workers can apply for an Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR).
So, if you wonder how to obtain this Skilled Worker visa, you must meet a few eligibility criteria. For example:
- A valid job offer in the UK from the eligible occupation list
- A certificate of sponsorship from a certain UK employer
- Certified with English language Proficiency
- A minimum salary of £30,000 per annum
Once you meet the criteria mentioned above, you need to gather the documents necessary for the application process, including:
- A valid travel document or passport according to your purpose of visit
- Previous travel documents to show travel history to the UK
- Proof of financial stability like personal savings
- Evidence of English proficiency
- A criminal record check certificate from the country you belong to
Now, let’s see how to apply for UK Skilled Worker visas step-by-step.
1: Check your eligibility:
Make sure you ensure that you are eligible to apply for this skilled worker route. All you need is to check that you meet the eligibility criteria mentioned above.
2: Apply online:
Once you receive your sponsorship certificate, don’t delay your visa application. It should be done within three months of obtaining this certificate. To proceed with the application, start by:
- Filling out the application form
- Submitting a range of documents
- Paying the visa fees
3: Waiting for approval:
After applying online, you just have to wait for the approval. Usually, applicants receive the decision of the Home Office within three weeks if they belong outside the UK. People from inside the UK may get the approval within two weeks.
In Conclusion –
We hope you get a clear idea of the application process and other vital facts related to a Skilled Worker visa to the UK. Now, if you need expert guidance to apply for this UK Skilled Worker visa due to its complications, our top-skilled visa lawyers can help you here. At Intime Immigration Solicitors, we have the best team of immigration lawyers in Manchester to guide you throughout the process.
Schedule a call now or book an online assessment today!
UK Skilled Worker Visa: Latest Changes 2024
Are you planning to settle in Manchester, UK, by grabbing a job opportunity? All you need to do is apply for a Skilled worker Visa to stay and work legally in this country. But, before you apply, you should have a clear idea of the Skilled Worker visa route and the latest changes made by the UK government this year, which came into effect on April 4th. In today’s blog, we will discuss those key changes. Let’s begin.
Key Changes Made to UK Skilled Worker Visa Route
The Skilled Worker visa is a long-term work permit to live and work in the UK for up to 5 years, as determined by the Certificate of Sponsorship. This visa remains valid until you work in the same job role with your sponsoring employer. To change companies or jobs, you need to re-apply for a new Skilled Worker Visa.
Now, when applying for a Skilled Worker visa in Manchester, you should know the significant changes recently announced by the UK government. The key updates start with the increased salary thresholds. Recently, the government has changed the minimum salary threshold from £26,200 to £38,700 per annum for Skilled Workers, which is an increase of 48% from the previous amount. As a result, the occupation-specific salary thresholds are also increasing by 25% in terms of full-time earnings. The impact of these increased salary thresholds is found to be on the NHS and healthcare sector, where employers may have to make salary adjustments to meet these threshold criteria, impacting staff retention and recruitment.
However, if you have your Skilled Worker visa before April 4, 2024, or have applied for an extension or settlement before April 4, 2030, there’s no need to meet the criteria for new salary thresholds. You just need to pay an amount higher than £29,000 with a lower growth rate for the job role.
Besides this salary threshold update, there are a few more key changes made in this Skilled Worker visa route. For instance:
Shortage Occupation List
This category has been replaced by the Immigration Salary List (ISL), which includes 21 eligible occupations. As a result, 20% of salary discounts on the shortage occupation list have been eliminated; only the jobs on this new ISL remain.
If you are a care worker, especially a senior moving to the UK, you are not allowed to bring any dependents with you. No wonder it affects their plans to bring these care workers’ families here, leading to drastic effects on their retention and recruitment.
So, when you are recruited under a general Skilled Worker visa for any NHS role, these latest changes may affect you.
Transitional Arrangements
With the latest update, all Skilled Worker visa holders need to ensure that when applying for this transitional arrangement, they have extended permission to stay in the UK lawfully under this Skilled Worker visa route. According to this, you must apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) before April 4, 2030.
Supplementary Employment
Supplementary employment for Skilled Workers has been expanded under this route for any occupation. However, you are allowed to do these supplementary jobs outside the working hours of sponsored jobs (maximum 20 hours a week). On the other hand, employers may experience the latest compliance requirements during staff recruitment for any additional roles, while taking confirmation from the sponsor employer.
In Conclusion
So, are you ready to apply for a Skilled Worker visa in the UK? Our experienced visa lawyers at Intime Immigration Solicitors are here in Manchester to assist you throughout the process and ensure error-free application. Visit https://intimeimmigration.co.uk/skilled-worker-visa/ to learn more about the eligibility criteria or schedule a call for an assessment with our experts.
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How to Apply for a Valid UK Skilled Worker Visa: A Complete Guide
Want to reside in the UK for work? With a valid UK Skilled Worker visa application, it’s possible. But are you eligible to apply for the visa? See what it takes!
